The Kansas City Royals have sent Norichika Aoki to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Will Smith. Smith mainly pitched in the bullpen in 2013. The young left-hander progressed as a starter but found himself as a reliever because of a full rotation in Kansas City. He made crucial adjustments to his pitching this season and was able to post a tantalizing 11.61 K/9 and 3.24 ERA. Smith was expendable because the Royals have tons of bullpen depth and a very strong relief core. Throughout his minor league career, Smith has always been an above-average starter with good control but posted disappointing results in his rookie season. He is going to be given a shot at starting for the Brewers this spring but will most likely break camp as a valuable member of the bullpen. He may even see a few saves fall to him if Jim Henderson falters.

Norichika Aoki will now travel to Kansas City and cement himself as the starting right fielder. Aoki was the hardest batter to strike out last year and his on base percentage will be his defining quality atop the Royals' lineup. Aoki also mixes in speed and a good amount of power. He will be a very cost-effective producer for the Royals because he is only set to earn $2 million this season. Newcomer Khris Davis will be trusted with starting in the outfield back in Milwaukee and Aoki will unseat Jeff Francouer/David Lough in Kansas City.

Overall, the Royals acquired an underrated leadoff hitter for an extra bullpen piece and the Brewers acquired an interesting relief pitcher for an unneeded outfielder.

Royals - ABrewers - B+

For more info on the trade see: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/12/royals-acquire-norichika-aoki.html

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